‘Cleanup’ nets five

By DION TEASDALE
FIVE Yarra Valley residents have been caught up in a major police blitz following a twoweek crime wave in the Upper Yarra.
Two Healesville residents are among the group, which has been charged with more than 40 offences.
The charges relate to the theft of two vehicles, burglaries and the possession of firearms and amphetamines.
The arrests were made after a 16hour joint operation between Warburton and Yarra Junction police last Thursday.
Senior Constable Tony Aulich from Warburton Police said the five people charged included three residents from Warburton and two from Healesville.
He said the group comprised one woman and four men.
“Their ages range from 19 through to 37 years of age,” he said.
Sen Cons Aulich said six police members from Warburton and Yarra Junction had worked from 8am to after midnight to apprehend, interview and charge the group.
“Police believe this result is a significant cleanup of local crime,” he said.
Acting Sergeant Kevin Bishop from Yarra Junction Police said he was pleased with the results of the operation.
He said suspicions were aroused when police pulled over a stolen vehicle at a roadblock on one of the area’s back roads.
“Issuing 40 charges is a fairly significant result for the police,” he said.
“We have worked very closely with Warburton Police and this is a satisfying outcome for the effort put in.”
Sen Const Aulich said two vehicles stolen from the Warburton area had been recovered in good condition.
He said police had recovered several brush cutters, chainsaws, rifles and an extensive collection of mechanical tools taken from private residences over the past fortnight.
“(One of the five) was also found with a quantity of amphetamines and has been charged with possession and use,” he said.
Acting Sgt Kevin Bishop said four people had been charged and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 13 October and the other, a juvenile, was expected to be charged on summons.